Collection GB 0064 MAA - May, Commander William Edward (b 1899)

GB 0064 MAA [1912-1953] Collection

May , William Edward , b 1899 , Commander

Commander W E May was a leading authority on the history and use of the compass. He was a founder member of the Royal Institute of Navigation and one of its first fellows. He joined the Royal Navy in 1912, being second in command of one of the gun turrets of HMS TEMERAIRE at the battle of Jutland. In 1923, he qualified as a navigating officer. He left the active list of the Royal Navy in 1927 and thereafter was engaged in various duties concerning compasses. During the latter part of World War Two he was responsible for all repairs to gyrocompasses throughout the Royal Navy. In 1951 Commander May was appointed Deputy Director of the National Maritime Museum and held the post until his retirement in 1968.

The papers were presented 7th September 1981 by Commander W E May.

Papers of Commander W E May. The collection includes research notes articles and pamphlets on many subjects including compasses, navigation, uniform, naval brigades etc. Of interest are his service certificates and career record between 1912-1953, including his training at Dartmouth and Osborne colleges (MAA/77).

Please contact the Archive for further information.

Please contact the Archive for further information.

English

Detailed catalogue online at the: National Maritime Museum website .

Edited by Sarah Drewery, Sep 2011.
Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.

2010-08-26 Navigational aids Compasses Equipment Scientific equipment Textiles Clothing Uniforms Military uniforms Navigation World War Two (1939-1945) May , William Edward , b 1899 , Commander Royal Naval College, Dartmouth Royal Naval College, Osborne Royal Navy World wars (events) Transport Wars (events)

The papers were presented 7th September 1981 by Commander W E May.

Papers of Commander W E May. The collection includes research notes articles and pamphlets on many subjects including compasses, navigation, uniform, naval brigades etc. Of interest are his service certificates and career record between 1912-1953, including his training at Dartmouth and Osborne colleges (MAA/77).

Please contact the Archive for further information.

Please contact the Archive for further information.

• anglais

• latin

English

Detailed catalogue online at the: National Maritime Museum website .

Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.

• anglais